Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Some AMD-based systems with chipset or processor-integrated graphics support ATI Hybrid
CrossFire, which enables compatible video cards and the motherboard's integrated chipset or
on-processor graphics to provide faster 3D rendering than either component could perform
independently.
Audio Hardware
All systems today should be capable of playing audio to some degree, which means you need at least
a passable set of external speakers and either a motherboard with integrated audio or a separate
sound card. Most systems today feature integrated audio, but you can disable it if you prefer to add a
dedicated high-quality sound card. Dedicated cards are ideal if you want the best possible sound
quality for video playback, audio capture and editing, or surround sound for gaming. Almost any
motherboard-integrated audio system or sound card on the market today is compatible with the
baseline Creative Sound Blaster series, Windows DirectSound, and other sound APIs.
Speakers designed for use with PCs range from tiny, unpowered devices to large audiophile-class
systems. Many of the top manufacturers of stereo speakers now produce speaker systems for PCs.
Some include subwoofers or even a full Dolby surround sound implementation.
Note
If you decide to replace your system's onboard audio with a sound card, be sure to look for a
card that supports your system's available expansion slots.
Accessories
Apart from the major components, you need several other accessories to complete your system. These
are the small parts that can make the assembly process a pleasure or a chore. If you are purchasing
your system components from mail-order sources, you should make a complete list of all the parts you
need, right down to the last cable and screw, and be sure you have everything before you begin the
assembly process. It is excruciating to have to wait several days with a half-assembled system for the
delivery of a forgotten part.
Heatsinks/Cooling Fans
Some of today's faster processors produce a lot of heat, and this heat has to be dissipated so your
system doesn't operate intermittently or even fail completely. Boxed processors from Intel and AMD
are sold with the heatsink and fan included. And although OEM processors don't include a heatsink
from the processor manufacturer, most vendors who sell them add an aftermarket heatsink and fan to
the package; often, aftermarket heatsinks and fans provide significantly better cooling than those
shipped with boxed processors, making them more suitable for overclocking.
Caution
All modern heatsinks require that a thermal interface material be applied to the base of the
heatsink before installation. A small amount may be supplied with a new heatsink (either as an
integrated phase change pad or as a separate tube of thermal paste or grease), but you may want
to purchase some separately because the grease has to be cleaned off and reapplied every time
you remove and reinstall the processor or heatsink.
